Application of Herbicides for Lawn Maintenance in South Western Nigeria: Benefits and Health Challenges

There is an increasing shift from machete and machine-based lawn mowing to herbicide application in the south-western Nigeria. Although, people have speculated that this practice is less labour intensive and cheaper, the paucity of data on its implications on human health exists. This study seeks to provide baseline information on the health effects of this system of lawn maintenance. Structured questionnaire was randomly distributed to 313 head of households from Ondo and Osun States using multi-stage sampling technique. Parameters considered include frequency of usage, perception on activity and probable health symptoms. Data obtained were analysed by employing descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The study revealed that 88.2% of handlers were untrained and obtained information on usage and handling only from the manufacturers’ instructions. About 94% and 75% of the respondents in Ondo and Osun States respectively posited that the use of herbicide was faster than the conventional methods while 95% in Ondo and 73% in Osun affirmed that it was less energy-consuming. In addition, 69% of the respondents affirmed that the use of herbicides contributes to insect and pest control around homes. A number of respondents usually eat (22.4%), drink (18.5%), smoke cigarettes (18.9%) and make telephone calls (43.77%) during herbicide applications. Symptoms associated with herbicide use by respondents were fatigue (57.0%), eyes irritation (35.1%), skin irritation (31.2%) and nausea (29.7%). This study, in addition to merits of use of herbicides, its negative impact on human health cannot be ignored in sustainable environmental management.